All season we have been fantasizing that we might see the three winners
of the Triple Crown races line up in the Midsummer Derby. But with just
over a week remaining until the Shadwell Travers, questions are looming
about each of them.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has shied away from committing Preakness winner Rachel Alexander to a specific spot. The Belmont winner, Summer Bird has some of us guessing with his less than stellar works, and Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird encountered a bump in the radar when a trapped epiglottis was discovered during a routine endoscopic examination after his Monday morning work-out. He was transported downstate on Tuesday and underwent minor throat surgery at the new Ruffian Equine Medical Clinic across the street from Belmont Park. It's reported that the routine operation has been termed a success. Many horses have come back quickly from this surgery and trainer, Bennie 'Chip' Woolley Jr. is expected to send Mine That Bird back to the track before this paper is printed. We all know how resilient "The Bird" is. We learned that at the Derby when the main topic of conversation surrounding the little gelding before the race was how he traveled all the way from New Mexico in a trailer to get there!
Alysheba had this procedure done just a month prior to his first place finish in the Bluegrass Stakes (he was taken down and placed 3rd). He came back from that effort to display one of the greatest Kentucky Derby victories ever (1987) and ended his career as the leading money winner of all time. It might serve fans well to remember that Alysheba entered that Derby as a non-winner of two races. Just think if the surgery improves Mine That Bird that much!
In the event Mine That Bird needs more time, his connections have made him eligible to the Pennsylvania Derby which runs on September 7. That race is among several options available to Rachel Alexandra. The greatness of this filly offers her connections everything short of a guaranteed win wherever they place her. She has opted to skip the Alabama but in addition to the Pennsylvania Derby, she is nominated for the Shadwell Travers, the Personal Ensign and the Woodward. With a clear view of the Horse of the Year title taunting at the hearts of her connections, Rachel might skip dates with her own age group and sex and venture into company against her male elders in the Woodward. The ambitious tactics are no doubt influenced by the fact that owner Jess Jackson is stalwartly opposed to racing her on the "plastic" at Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup. Rachel is not the only bullet the Asmussen-Jackson team has to fire. If entered in the Travers, their Jim Dandy winner Kensei could attract more wagering dollars than either of "the Birds." Without the filly, it's probable that one-time Kentucky Derby favorite Quality Road will go off the favorite in the Travers. The Todd Pletcher trainee comes to the race off a track record appearance in the Amsterdam.
As usual the only way to get a Grade 1 victory in a million dollar race will be to earn it.
Alysheba had this procedure done just a month prior to his first place finish in the Bluegrass Stakes (he was taken down and placed 3rd). He came back from that effort to display one of the greatest Kentucky Derby victories ever (1987) and ended his career as the leading money winner of all time. It might serve fans well to remember that Alysheba entered that Derby as a non-winner of two races. Just think if the surgery improves Mine That Bird that much!
In the event Mine That Bird needs more time, his connections have made him eligible to the Pennsylvania Derby which runs on September 7. That race is among several options available to Rachel Alexandra. The greatness of this filly offers her connections everything short of a guaranteed win wherever they place her. She has opted to skip the Alabama but in addition to the Pennsylvania Derby, she is nominated for the Shadwell Travers, the Personal Ensign and the Woodward. With a clear view of the Horse of the Year title taunting at the hearts of her connections, Rachel might skip dates with her own age group and sex and venture into company against her male elders in the Woodward. The ambitious tactics are no doubt influenced by the fact that owner Jess Jackson is stalwartly opposed to racing her on the "plastic" at Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup. Rachel is not the only bullet the Asmussen-Jackson team has to fire. If entered in the Travers, their Jim Dandy winner Kensei could attract more wagering dollars than either of "the Birds." Without the filly, it's probable that one-time Kentucky Derby favorite Quality Road will go off the favorite in the Travers. The Todd Pletcher trainee comes to the race off a track record appearance in the Amsterdam.
As usual the only way to get a Grade 1 victory in a million dollar race will be to earn it.
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